Game warden question

Game wardens are not always right. Years (many years ago) I was pulled over by a game warden. Our truck was full of decoys and gear, but he asked to see all our dead birds. He then proceeded to say you are in trouble for having too many hen pintails. I asked him to point out those birds ... I said ... well those are all young gadwalls ... look at the wings. I then looked him straight in eye and said ... let me take some photos of these birds with their wings extended ... I think you will be sorry in court if you want to write us a ticket. He admitted his error or at least said sure ... and off we went.

I have more examples ... but will refrain. If you press back on a warden be polite, but stern ... you better know your stuff and you and everyone along needs to be sure you are compliant on the rules ...
 
Unless someone shows me otherwise ... someone walking along with a hunter is fine. Walking along is hardly assisting ...

Here is what I am seeing:
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Walking along is hardly assisting ...

Here is the rule for turkey and prairie chicken (in Minnesota) ... where you can specifically be unlicensed and aid another hunter

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... seems to be some ambiguity on the may be licensed for another time period and still carrying a gun ???
 
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Game wardens can be wrong just like anyone else. I watched a refuge manager and a game warden on fb argue over whether a person could retrieve an animal on private property without permission. A tough one in Kansas I know how I read it and think the game warden was wrong but I can see the other side of it too.
Last year in Nebraska I asked a game warden what legal shooting time was statewide, I was unsure because I’d previously been on a refuge that legal hours were sunup- sundown. Statewide he told me same and then looked it up and corrected himself to a half before. He probably should have known that one.
 
BrownDogsCan2 said:
Last year in Nebraska I asked a game warden what legal shooting time was statewide, I was unsure because I’d previously been on a refuge that legal hours were sunup- sundown. Statewide he told me same and then looked it up and corrected himself to a half before. He probably should have known that one.
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Years ago, North Dakota simplified their rules as best they could. They moved all bird seasons to 30 minutes before sunrise to avoid confusion, conflict and excuses.
 
I've never taken anyone with me pheasant hunting that wasn't a licensed hunter, so I can't dive too deep into that one.

I have, however taken someone with me in the spring turkey blind and the deer stand that wasn't licensed. I've never really considered if that person had to be licensed, but now I'm questioning if they should be.
 
I found this online, it's from Mn Hunter's Safety program. I realize it's aimed toward youth hunters, but it's still relevant.

Minnesota Small Game Hunting License
A small game hunting license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who hunts small game in Minnesota. Youth 14 and 15 years of age can hunt small game without a Minnesota Hunting License provided they have a valid hunter education certificate. 13-year olds must have a firearm safety certificate and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while hunting. Children under 13 do not need a firearm safety certificate to hunt small game, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. (Parents or guardians must have a valid hunting license if they are actively participating in the hunt)

It also states that a non-licensed hunter can sit in a deer stand with a licensed hunter as long as they aren't participating, i.e. helping spot deer.

Mn rules seem to be pretty ambiguous in favor of the game warden's temperement that day. If I were pheasant hunting up there and had someone tagging along for the walk, I would make sure they are licensed to avoid any issues. I think they have a resident 72 hour small game license for $19.

Like stated above, If someone is walking through a CRP field with you and a rooster flushes under their feet and you shoot it, that would probably give the game warden enough cause to issue a citation.

Just to be clear, I don't agree with these laws in these examples, but they were probably put in place because of a bunch of knuckleheads out there abusing the privilege.
 
Jawilor said:
Just to be clear, I don't agree with these laws in these examples, but they were probably put in place because of a bunch of knuckleheads out there abusing the privilege.
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I would say that is the reason most laws are passed. Someone exploited something, passed what was common sence limitations, to gain a benefit.
 
That fries my ass to hear this story! Tell that warden to go catch some real criminals! Harnessing your wife like that! What ever happened to common sense when enforcing these laws.
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Jawilor said:
I found this online, it's from Mn Hunter's Safety program. I realize it's aimed toward youth hunters, but it's still relevant.

Minnesota Small Game Hunting License
A small game hunting license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who hunts small game in Minnesota. Youth 14 and 15 years of age can hunt small game without a Minnesota Hunting License provided they have a valid hunter education certificate. 13-year olds must have a firearm safety certificate and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while hunting. Children under 13 do not need a firearm safety certificate to hunt small game, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. (Parents or guardians must have a valid hunting license if they are actively participating in the hunt)

It also states that a non-licensed hunter can sit in a deer stand with a licensed hunter as long as they aren't participating, i.e. helping spot deer.

Mn rules seem to be pretty ambiguous in favor of the game warden's temperement that day. If I were pheasant hunting up there and had someone tagging along for the walk, I would make sure they are licensed to avoid any issues. I think they have a resident 72 hour small game license for $19.

Like stated above, If someone is walking through a CRP field with you and a rooster flushes under their feet and you shoot it, that would probably give the game warden enough cause to issue a citation.

Just to be clear, I don't agree with these laws in these examples, but they were probably put in place because of a bunch of knuckleheads out there abusing the privilege.
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Or a bunch of knuckleheads now interpret the law to include non hunters. I think dogs should have to be licensed hunters see how the rabbit hole is expanded.
 
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